Moving to a New Rental with Your Pup?: Be Sure to Ask These 3 Questions
Prompted by a work relocation, we recently set out on a search to find a rental that would allow us to bring our two medium-sized dogs along. If you find yourself in a similar position, there are three simple questions you’ll want to ask about their pet policy before you waste the time and gas scoping out the place.
Just because a rental says “dog friendly” doesn’t mean they’ll accommodate your dog
It seems easy enough to select the “dogs welcome” filter while searching for apartments. But just because a rental advertises that they are dog friendly does not mean that they are welcoming of all dogs. You’ll still need to do your due diligence to make sure your furry friend can tag along. Personally, bringing my pups with us when we move is a non-negotiable, so I’ve been calling every rental we are interested in and asking these three questions before I schedule a showing.
Are There Any Breed Restrictions?
I have two medium-sized dogs - one of whom is a German Shepherd Mix and the other is a Dalmatian. I’ve found that breed restrictions seem to be the limiting factor for most rentals. I called roughly 25 rental properties (both commercial rental properties and private home rentals) and only one of the rentals did not have any breed restrictions. Several informed me that German Shepherd was listed on their restricted breed list, and one place even had Dalmatians on the restricted list. I just simply crossed them off the list and called the next place because we’re a package deal.
While heartbreaking, because I think they just get a bad rep, every rental I contacted (except for the one without breed restrictions) had Pit Bulls and Bully mixes on their restricted breed lists. Unfortunately, in many cases these are uninsurable breeds, so renters often don’t want to take on the associated liability. But if you are looking for a rental to share with your Pit, try not to get discouraged and keep on searching, because all it takes is one place to allow your pup to tag along!
Are There Weight Limits?
It is also fairly common for rentals to have weight limits - or specific weight limits for certain apartments. And sometimes there are combined weight limits if you are bringing two dogs along. I used to live in an apartment complex that had weight limits for upper-level apartments but no weight limits for first floor apartments. Some only accommodate small dogs or dogs weighing less than 50 lbs. There are all kinds of different variations when it comes to weight limits, but if you have a medium or large breed dog, you’ll want to make sure your pup falls within the parameters of their pet policy.
Is There Pet Rent and a Pet Deposit?
I don’t know about you, but my dogs are total freeloaders (in the most endearing way) - they aren’t pitching in for rent. So I need to make sure that any pet rent or deposit is within my monthly budget. I’ve seen deposits as low as $100 per pet, or as high as $500 per pet - these fees are typically non-refundable. Pet rent is also fairly common, as an ongoing monthly fee added to your rent payment. In my recent search in the Northeast USA, these fees ranged from $20/month per pet, to $50/month per pet. With two dogs, you can see how these fees can quickly add up. When considering needing to put down a security deposit, a pet deposit, fees for keys, and first (maybe also last) month’s rent - you may be looking at forking up thousands of dollars upfront. Be sure to ask for these fees upfront so you know exactly what you’re getting into!
Final Thoughts
While unfair—in my opinion—it can be more challenging to find rentals that allow some breeds over others. But not impossible. Be sure to ask upfront about breed restrictions and weight limits to save yourself some time seeing apartments that won’t let your four-legged friend tag along. While unfair - in my opinion - it can be more challenging to find rentals that allow some breeds over others. If you find yourself constantly being met by breed restrictions that exclude your dog from residency, try not to get defeated - all you need is one yes! Overall, make sure you’re comfortable with the pet fees associated with the rental you choose and best of luck finding your furry friend a new home!